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Dragons Earn Third Straight Win, 10-2

Burlington, Iowa—Three Dayton pitchers combined to allow just three hits and the Dragons exploded for six runs in the eighth inning on the way to a 10-2 victory over the Burlington Bees on Friday night. The win lifted the Dragons into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Division as they won their third straight and improved to 5-3 on the year. The Dragons established season highs for runs in a game, hits in a game (11), and runs in an inning.

Dayton first baseman Sebastian Elizalde led the offensive attack, going 3 for 5 with a home run. Sammy Diaz had a double and a triple with three runs batted in. Beau Amaral had two hits and tied a club record with three stolen bases.

Dragons starting pitcher Ismael Guillon had an unusual night. After a scoreless first inning, Guillon started the second frame by walking four consecutive hitters. Two runs scored in the inning, but Guillon then retired the next 12 batters in order to conclude his outing. Over his five innings, he allowed just one hit and two runs with four walks and five strikeouts.

Joel Bender replaced Guillon and worked one and two-thirds scoreless innings. Alejandro Chacin replaced Bender with a runner at third and two outs in the seventh and the score tied at 2-2. Chacin got a strikeout to end the threat. Chacin (1-0) finished the game and was credited with the win, tossing two and one-third scoreless innings.

The Dragons took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning when Diaz lined a double to the right field corner to bring in Tanner Rahier from second with two outs. Burlington answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. Guillon’s first walks brought in one run and the second run scored on a sacrifice fly.

The Dragons tied the game in the fourth on a solo home run by Elizalde to right field, his second homer of the season.

In the Dayton eighth, Jeff Gelalich led off with a base hit, stole second, and eventually scored on a wild pitch to give the Dragons a 3-2 lead. Diaz added a two-run triple later in the inning and Carlton had an RBI single. A wild pitch brought in another run and an error allowed one more to score. The Dragons added two more in the ninth, keyed by back-to-back doubles by Phillip Ervin and Sean Buckley and a single by Elizalde.

The Dragons league-leading team earned run average increased five points to 1.65. They have allowed just four runs in four games on the current road trip. Dragons relievers have allowed just two runs on the year in 27.1 innings.

The Dragons play in Burlington again on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (EDT). Amir Garrett (0-1, 2.08) will make his second start for Dayton. Burlington will counter with Garrett Nuss (0-0, 3.60). The series and road trip will conclude on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Dragons return home on Monday, April 14 when they host the Clinton Lumber Kings in the start of a three-game series.All Dragons games can be heard on WONE Radio (980 AM) and via the internet at wone.com and through the Dragons Mobile App.Dragons Earn Third Straight Win, 10-2

Friday, April 11 2014, 11:43 PM EDT

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